On having a plan of life...

"An unmortified spirit is your greatest hindrance.  Good and devout people first plan inwardly the works they are to do outwardly; in this way they are not led to evil inclinations, but bend their wills to the rule of right reason.  Who has a greater struggle than those who labor to overcome themselves?  This should be our daily labor: self-conquest, so as to make steady progress in the spiritual life."

(The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Three)

On having a simple heart

"The more we are united within ourselves and are joined to You in the simplicity of our hearts, the more effortlessly we understand the deep things, for the light of understanding comes to us from above. A pure, simple and stable heart is not bogged down by a multitude of tasks because it does all for the honor of God, and since it is not self-seeking, it is not eager to follow its own will."

The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Three

"What need have we to be concerned with unessentials?  He to whom the Eternal Word (Who is Jesus) speaks is freed of useless opinions. From the Word all things proceed and all creation cries out that He is God--the same Who is the Beginning Who speaks to us.  No one can understand the truth nor make right judgments without Him.  Only those to whom all things are One, who draws all things to One and who see all things in One, may be strong in heart and rest peacefully in God.  

O my God, You are Truth; unite my to Yourself in perfect love.  I am so weary of all I read and hear and see, for only in You is all that I will or can desire.  Let all the learned be silent in Your presence and let all creatures be still and do You, Lord, alone speak to my soul."

(The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Three)

On the teaching of truth...

"Persons who are taught by truth and not by symbols or deceitful words are really blessed and happy, for they learn truth in itself.  Our own opinions and lack of knowledge often lead us astray, because we do not know the truth as it is.  

What good will it do us to learn many things, the knowledge of which will not help us on judgment day, nor hurt us if we do not know them?  It is foolish not to learn those things which are necessary for us and to waste our time on those that merely satisfy our curiosity and hurt us in the end.  For if we do so, we have eyes but cannot see."

The Imitation of Christ, Chapter Three

"Nothing is so beneficial as true knowledge of ourselves, which produces a wholesome self-contempt.  Always think kindly of others while holding yourself as nothing:  this is true wisdom and leads to perfection.  If you see another commit a grievous sin, or whose faults are flagrant, do not regard yourself as better, for you do not know what you would do if similarly tempted.  You are in good disposition now, but you do not know how long you will persevere in it.  Always keep in mind that all are frail, but none so frail as yourself."

(The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Two)

On holding ourselves in too much esteem...

"Why have an exalted opinion of yourself when you know there are many, even in your own field, whose knowledge surpasses yours?  If you want to learn anything worthwhile, seek rather to be unknown and to be thought of as nothing."

(The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Two)

On knowledge and judgment

"Remember, the more you know, the more severely you will be judged.  So do not be proud of any skill or knowledge you may have, for such is an awesome responsibility.  No matter how much you know, realize how much there is that you do not know.  Do not be afraid to acknowledge your own ignorance."

(The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Two)

On being learned...

"An overweening desire for knowledge brings many distractions and much delusion.  Many like to be considered learned and to be praised for their wisdom; how much knowledge there is which adds nothing to the good of the soul!  To spend yourself on worldly pursuits which do nothing to further your eternal salvation is unwise.  

It is useless to spend much time in talking; only a holy life and a good conscience will ease your mind and satisfy your soul, enabling you to face God with confidence." 

(The Imitation of Christ, Book One, chapter two)